This volume contains two closely related studies: Echoes of the Shema and Our Father's Footprints. The term Shema is derived from the initial word to hear in the Old Testament: "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deut. 6:4). Hence, God is deserving of ardent adoration and unqualified commitment. Morris A. Inch discusses God as Spirit, Light, and Love and also touches on divine holiness, grace, and compassion. The second study picks up with Jesus' allusion to God as our Father (Matt. 6:9). While this reference is primarily related to his authority, Jesus pointedly ties in his benevolent character. In this regard, he exclaims: "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt. 7:11). This quotation invites us to reflect on such associated themes as God's faithfulness, generosity, resolve, forgiveness, and creativity. Echoes of the Shema and Our Father's Footprints will be a useful text for those interested in exploring the inviting realm of biblical theology.

The Wonder of It All: Mystery and Meaning of Scripture explores the idea that error often appears as pairs of opposites. In this regard, we either minimize the persisting mystery or apparent meaning of Scripture. With this in mind, the present text is an attempt to cultivate a needed balance. Mystery first invites our attention. Paul observes, "We speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began" (1 Cor. 2:7). In the singular, "the term 'mystery' ordinarily refers to something formerly hidden in God and from all human eyes but now revealed in history through Christ and made understandable to his people through the Spirit." As such, mystery is primarily associated with God and his initiatives. We next turn our attention from mystery to meaning, taking a common sense approach to biblical interpretation. This is by way of exploring the implications of inspiration, the significance of salvation history, literary genre, context, general hermeneutics, and ethical implications. We conclude with two case studies concerning Genesis and Luke/Acts.

In Christ & On Track is a definitive study of the signature Pauline expression 'in Christ' within its historical and literary contexts. The expression itself or its equivalence appears about 165 times in the pertinent correspondence, and provides the focus for the apostle's life and teaching. As such, the significance of this phrase for Pauline studies is of great importance. Since the Pauline correspondence provides the major component in the New Testament corpus, this study has invaluable implications for New Testament theology and New Testament studies as a whole. The study is a representative of the apostolic tradition, and serves as a corrective against deviant theological posturing_as illustrated by the Gnostic movement. With a wide range of topics addressed such as: Paul As Paradigm; Christ of Faith; and Jesus of History, Professor Inch's in-depth analysis makes a significant contribution to the innumerable Pauline studies.

This is the third in the Potpourri series, each consisting of three brief studies. It provides considerable diversity, while serving as a stimulus for further reflection. Thus in keeping with the observation that the past serves as prologue. Potpourri, as the first of this triad, explores Common Sense & The Conspiracies. In this regard, it is said that problem with common sense is that it is so uncommon. Covenant Echoes, as the second entry, alerts the reader to the critical importance of covenants from a Biblical perspective. The final component, Amos Still Speaks , delves into the continued relevance of the prophetic text for today. Potpourri # 2 first considers The Epic Conflict, in which persons are portrayed as engaged in spiritual conflict with the entrenched forces of evil. Jesus As Sage then touches on his public ministry in terms of wisdom literature. In conclusion, James, Jesus' Sibling provides a brief account of James' life and correspondence - noting similarities with that of Jesus. Potpourri # 3 now invites our attention. Initially, The Jesus Niche considers his pristine humanity. Which, in turn, encourages us to strive to achieve our potential by God's grace. Next, The Rainbow Bridge is a graphic way of expressing one's demise. Accordingly, the text focuses on the parting comments of select persons from the Scriptural narratives. Finally, What Is the Question? calls our attention to the importance of refining our questions so as to get favorable results.

Lee Snook, in his provocative publication What in the World Is God Doing?, observes that the African Christian appears more aware of the working of the Holy Spirit than his American counterpart. I would heartily concur with this observation, having been engaged in two short term teaching assignments in Nigeria. With this in mind, the text deals first with the African experience, and then the return home. After which, it touches on the Jesus of history, along with a transition concerning the Spirit of Jesus. This calls for a reality check, before discussing the secular and sacred. Finally, with regard to the future and present. Two appendices recall my earlier publications concerning the Holy Spirit. First, Saga of the Spirit deals with the topic from the perspectives of Biblical, systematic, and historical theology. This served for some time as a course text book. Second, Signature of the Spirit explores the topic as expounded in the two-volume work: Luke/Acts. As such, it considers what may be legitimately attributed to the Spirit.

The original Potpourri consisted of three diverse studies: Common Sense and the Conspiracies, Covenant Echoes, and Amos Still Speaks. Potpourri # 2 also contains a triad: The Epic Conflict, Jesus As Sage, and James, Jesus' Sibling.Attention is initially drawn to The Epic Conflict, which concerns the struggle against formidable adversaries. In this regard, Paul observes: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12).There is a natural transition from the above to that which follows, concerning Jesus As Sage. It is said that the most pervasive aspect of his teaching relates to wisdom literature. Then, too, the final study explores James' indebtedness to Jesus' instruction. Accordingly, the three projects delve into a common theme of critical importance: how to engage life with awareness of both its obstacles and opportunities.

While justice is thought indispensible for a healthy society, its complex character gives rise to conflicting applications. Accordingly, The Enigma of Justice serves as an appropriate title. In greater detail, the course is set with a consideration of justice in context of the prophets. These were faced with the unenviable task of fine-tuning the monarchy to its covenant ideals. The topic is then treated in its classical setting, as one of the cardinal virtues. This introduces a series of competing theories, more or less compatible with one another. In still greater detail, the text treats a wide range of related topics, such as justice in conjunction with poverty, mercy, and freedom. In conclusion, it touches on justice from an international perspective.

The writer brings to bear virtually the experience of a lifetime to address three critical concerns: Common Sense and the Conspiracies, Covenant Echoes, and Amos Still Speaks As for common sense, the problem is that it is so uncommon.

The second topic considers the relevance of the covenant perspective for daily life. Along this line, it is said that the simplest form of covenant is the common meal. The ancient practice of hospitality expands on this notion. This text extends the subject further with a discussion of marriage, political foundations, voluntary associations, and paradigm shifts.

The final topic examines the relevance of Amos for today. This is in keeping with the conviction that the more some things change, the more other matters remain constant. Then, too, if we fail to learn from the past, we are destined to repeat its tragic failures. While quite distinct, these three projects served to incite the reader to take scriptural teaching more seriously.

Some strange and unconvincing things are attributed to the Holy Spirit. Tragic consequences can often occur. This timely text attempts to distinguish the work of the Holy Spirit from such notable imposters as the human spirit, the conventional, and the demons.

The study focuses on the two-volume work Luke/Acts. This, in turn, involves probing the tradition from which the teaching derives.

The author has previously discussed the theology of Luke in the article "Interpreting Luke/Acts," The Literature and Meaning of Scripture (Inch and Bullock, eds.); and The Original Quest, subsumed under the corporate title "Two Gospel Motifs." As for the Holy Spirit, consult the article "Manifestation of the Spirit" The Living and Active Word of God (Inch and Youngblood, eds.), and the Saga of the Spirit.

Two pertinent appendices are included. First, concerning the obscure character of spirituality. Second, some random thoughts concerning the dogma of the Trinity. All things considered, the text is recommended for those who desire to put the work of the Holy Spirit in biblical perspective.

"Service Is As Service Does" accents the practical and diverse character of ministry. Initially, the text sketches Jesus' life as a prime incentive. After that, it considers Charles Sheldon's In His Steps as an extended case study.

Then, in turn, it takes up fourteen avenues of service. In particular, these concern prayer, truth, celebration, forgiveness, proclamation, civility, triad (consisting of faith, hope, and love), deeds, calling, friendliness, burden bearing, justice, mercy, and creativity. A varied selection, it is calculated to achieve three noteworthy purposes. First, to expand the range of service. Second, to enhance our appreciation of its critical importance. Finally, to identify some of the factors that led to success.

In metaphorical terms, let us wrap towels around our waists and wash one another's feet (recalling an incident in Jesus' life and ministry). The remainder amounts to commentary.